Play It. Record It. Upload It. Hold On...
Every cover act knows how to perform the song. Here's how to market it without stepping over the licensing line.
For working cover artists, your showreel is often your strongest marketing tool. A great video tells venues exactly what you sound like, how you engage a crowd, and why you’re worth booking.
But there’s one question we hear regularly: “Can I record myself performing someone else’s song and upload it?”
The answer depends on how and where you’re using it.
Here’s a practical guide to working with the working resources that Aussie Musos already have access to.
If you’re performing cover songs at licensed venues or promoted events, you do not need permission from the songwriter or publisher. The venue’s APRA AMCOS licence covers the live public performance.
There is one important responsibility: Submit your Performance Reports.
Every cover song you perform should appear on your set list so the original songwriters receive the royalties they’ve earned.
Submit Performance Reports here:
https://www.apraamcos.com.au/resources/get-paid/performance-reports
A part of a music brand marketing stratehy, some artists will release their cover as an audio recording.
If you release this in CDs or Vinyl, you’ll generally need an AMCOS Audio Manufacture Licence (AML) unless your manufacturer or record label already holds one.
This ensures the original writers receive their mechanical royalties.
If you’re releasing through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other major digital services in Australia or New Zealand:
You generally do not need to obtain permission from the songwriter to release the audio recording.
These services are already licensed by AMCOS, and royalties are collected and paid to the original writers.
Most independent artists distribute through digital aggregators such as DistroKid, CD Baby, TuneCore or similar, who handle the delivery to these services.
If your cover recording is being commercially released into the United States, an additional mechanical licence is required.
Many digital distributors arrange this for you, but if not, licences are available through organisations including:
So what about Showreels and Promo videos of you on stage or in your studio? This is where many artists become confused. If you’re creating a commercial promotional video featuring someone else’s song, different rules apply. A promotional showreel is considered part of your business marketing. That means you’re synchronising music with video — known as sync rights.
For commercial promotional videos, it’s a good idea to obtain permission from the copyright owner or music publisher before using the song. You can easily search publishers and copyright owners using the APRA AMCOS Works Search.
Now its a little different on Social Media Platforms such as Facebook, You Tube, Tik Tok and Instagram. These operate under licences that generally allow users to synchronise cover performances with video for personal, user-generated content. However that licence does not automatically extend to commercial marketing use.
If your video is primarily promoting your business, your show, or generating commercial bookings, different licensing considerations may apply.
A professionally produced showreel remains one of the smartest investments a working cover act can make. Venues buy confidence before they buy entertainment. But professionalism isn’t just about how your show looks. It’s also about respecting the creators whose songs helped build your career.
Knowing where the licensing boundaries sit protects your business, supports the songwriting community, and gives venue clients confidence they’re working with professionals who understand the industry.
Build the brand. Respect the songs. Understand the rules. Preserve the Industry.
Resource: This article is general information only and is based on guidance published by APRA AMCOS. Licensing requirements vary depending on how and where your music is used. For specific circumstances, always refer to the OG - APRA AMCOS or obtain independent legal advice.
Further reading:
https://www.apraamcos.com.au/music-creation/copyright/covers-and-remixes
Nichola Burton is the CEO of The Pushworth Group and has spent more than 36 years helping musicians build sustainable careers beyond the stage. She believes the most successful artists think like business owners as well as performers—understanding contracts, protecting their brands and building structures that support long-term success. Through Musoverse and the Music Means Business philosophy, she encourages artists to make informed decisions, seek professional accounting and legal advice where needed, and build businesses that are as strong behind the scenes as they are under the lights. Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
